The two managers will face off in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembely on Saturday as they chase their first silverware of the season, with this remarkably the first time in Mourinho's career that he has not won the league title in his second season as a club.
However, despite United having occupied second place in the Premier League pretty much all season, Mourinho has come under fire for his style of play, which many onlookers see as overly defensive given the players he has at his disposal.
Pochettino does not put too much stock in the criticism though, insisting that United are having a good season under the former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss.
"Manchester United are having a fantastic season. Like us, they are disappointed to be out of the Champions League because it is massive for them and for us," he explained at his pre-match press conference.
"We are similar. They are better than us because they have more points in the Premier League.
"He is doing a fantastic job in his second season in Manchester."